Do I Need a Will? UK Eligibility Checker
Find out if you need a will in the UK with our free eligibility checker. Quick assessment based on your personal circumstances.
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Answer 5 simple questions to find out if you need a will
Why making a will matters
A will is a legal document that sets out your wishes for what happens to your estate (money, property, and possessions) after you die. While not everyone needs a will urgently, having one in place gives you control and peace of mind.
Protect your family
Choose guardians for children under 18, provide for dependents, and ensure loved ones are looked after according to your wishes.
Control your assets
Decide who inherits your property, savings, and possessions. Without a will, intestacy rules apply—which may not match your wishes.
Reduce inheritance tax
Strategic will planning can help minimize the tax burden on your estate, leaving more for your beneficiaries.
Peace of mind
Knowing your affairs are in order reduces worry and helps your family during a difficult time.
When a will is especially important
You have children under 18 – appoint guardians you trust
You own property – decide who inherits your home
You're divorced – update beneficiaries after relationship changes
You own a business – plan succession clearly
You're unmarried – your partner won't automatically inherit
You want to support charities – leave gifts to causes you care about
What happens if you die without a will?
If you die without a valid will (known as dying "intestate"), the UK's intestacy rules determine who inherits your estate. This follows a strict legal order:
- Married/civil partner – receives personal possessions plus first £322,000 (if there are children), or everything (if no children)
- Children – share the remainder equally (if married) or get everything (if single)
- Parents – inherit if there's no spouse or children
- Siblings – next in line if no parents
- Extended family – more distant relatives in a specific order
- The Crown – if no eligible relatives are found, your estate goes to the government
Important: Unmarried partners, stepchildren (unless legally adopted), and friends receive nothing under intestacy rules, regardless of your relationship.
Islamic wills
If you're Muslim, you may want your estate distributed according to Islamic inheritance law (Faraid). Key differences include:
- Fixed shares for specific relatives based on Quranic principles
- Male heirs typically receive double the share of female heirs in the same category
- Up to one-third of your estate can be freely bequeathed to non-heirs or charities
- Debts and funeral expenses are paid first
Our Islamic will service ensures your estate is distributed according to both UK law and Islamic principles.
Frequently asked questions
At what age should I make a will?
You must be 18 or older to make a legally valid will in England and Wales. Most people should consider making a will when they:
- Get married or enter a civil partnership
- Buy property
- Have children
- Start accumulating significant assets
How much does it cost to make a will?
Will costs vary depending on complexity. Solicitors typically charge £150-£500 for a simple will, while online services (like ours) start from as little as £90. Complex estates with trusts may cost more.
Can I write my own will?
Yes, you can write your own will (called a "DIY will"), but it must meet strict legal requirements to be valid. It must be:
- Made voluntarily
- Made by someone of sound mind
- In writing
- Signed by you in the presence of two independent witnesses who also sign
Using a professional service helps ensure your will is legally valid and covers all important considerations.
Do I need a solicitor to make a will?
No, you don't need a solicitor, but professional guidance is recommended. Online will services like WillsConnect offer solicitor-reviewed templates at a fraction of the cost of traditional legal services, combining affordability with legal peace of mind.
How often should I update my will?
Review your will every 5 years or after major life events such as:
- Marriage, divorce, or civil partnership dissolution
- Birth or adoption of children
- Death of a beneficiary or executor
- Significant change in assets (buying/selling property)
- Moving abroad
What happens to my will if I get married?
Getting married automatically revokes (cancels) any previous will you made, unless that will was specifically made "in contemplation of marriage" to a named person. After marriage, you should make a new will to ensure your wishes are upheld.
Can I leave someone out of my will?
Generally yes, but certain people (spouses, civil partners, children, and dependents) can make a claim against your estate under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 if they believe they haven't been adequately provided for. Professional advice is recommended if you plan to exclude close relatives.
Who should I choose as executor?
Choose someone you trust who is organized and willing to take on the responsibility. This could be:
- A spouse, partner, or adult child
- A trusted friend
- A professional (solicitor or accountant)
You can appoint up to four executors, and it's wise to name a backup in case your first choice can't or won't act.